The Boston Celtics, once perched atop the NBA’s summit, have plummeted into a financial and competitive quagmire. With Jayson Tatum sidelined by a devastating Achilles injury and a payroll ballooning to $231 million—coupled with a jaw-dropping $263 million tax penalty, per ESPN’s Bobby Marks—the Celtics are teetering on the edge of a roster overhaul. As ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, Boston is poised to explore trade options this offseason, desperate to slash costs and rebuild around an uncertain future.
Enter the Miami Heat, who could seize this opportunity to not only rescue their Eastern Conference rivals from financial ruin but also land the ideal backcourt partner for All-Star guard Tyler Herro. The key? Jrue Holiday, a veteran whose contract and recent performance make him a prime trade candidate for Boston—and a potential steal for Miami.
Why Holiday Fits the Bill
At first glance, Holiday’s situation in Boston raises eyebrows. As the oldest core member of the Celtics’ roster (with Al Horford’s free agency looming), he’s tied to a hefty $104.4 million over the next three seasons, according to Spotrac. His most recent campaign was one of his least productive, with diminished counting stats that reflect the depth and talent of Boston’s rotation. So why should Miami take a chance on him?
The answer lies in Holiday’s proven pedigree and Miami’s unique needs. Despite his lighter stat sheet in Boston, Holiday remains a defensive stalwart, earning All-Defensive honors in four of the past five seasons. For Herro, who thrives as an on-ball creator, Holiday’s elite perimeter defense would provide the perfect complement, neutralizing opposing guards and freeing Herro to focus on scoring. Holiday’s 37 percent career three-point shooting and low usage rate (15.8 percent, sixth among Boston’s regulars, per Basketball-Reference) make him an ideal off-ball partner, capable of stretching the floor without demanding the ball.
What’s more, Holiday’s contract, while expensive, could depress his trade value to the point where Miami might acquire him for little more than salary filler. In fact, Boston’s dire financial straits might even force the Celtics to sweeten the deal with additional incentives to offload his salary. For a Heat team coming off a disappointing 37-win season and a first-round playoff sweep, this could be a low-risk, high-reward move to shake up the roster without sacrificing key assets.
The Perfect Pairing
Imagine Holiday sliding into Miami’s backcourt alongside Herro. The fit is almost tailor-made. Herro’s game thrives on ball-dominant playmaking and scoring, but he needs a running mate who can handle the defensive heavy lifting and contribute without needing the spotlight. Holiday checks every box. His defensive prowess would shore up Miami’s backcourt, while his ability to knock down open threes and facilitate when needed would amplify Herro’s offensive impact.
Holiday’s past proves he’s more than capable of stepping up when given a larger role. He’s averaged 18-plus points in five different seasons, including two in his 30s, showing he can handle a heavier offensive load if Miami needs it. In a Heat system that would likely funnel more touches his way compared to Boston’s star-studded rotation, Holiday could rediscover his form as a two-way force.
A Move Miami Can’t Ignore
The Heat are at a crossroads. Another season with a roster that limped to 37 wins feels like a one-way ticket to mediocrity. Acquiring Holiday could change that trajectory without requiring Miami to part with significant assets. His contract, while costly, aligns with Miami’s win-now mentality, and his skill set could elevate the Heat from playoff afterthoughts to legitimate contenders in the East.
This trade isn’t just about saving Boston from its financial mess—it’s about Miami capitalizing on a rare opportunity to build a backcourt that could strike fear into opponents. Holiday and Herro together offer a blend of defense, shooting, and versatility that could redefine Miami’s ceiling. At the very least, it’s a conversation worth having. For a franchise known for bold moves, this could be the one that puts the Heat back in the championship hunt.